What's On Near You for University Mental Health Day?

University Mental Health Day is approaching, but what’s on near you this year?

University Mental Health Day (UMHD) is on March 5th this year and aims to bring together the university community to increase mental health awareness and support students. With levels of anxiety, loneliness and self-harming thoughts being 'alarmingly high', mental health in universities needs to be made a priority. Additionally, over 75% of students conceal symptoms from friends, proving that talking about our wellbeing is something that needs attention.

UMHD is run by Student Minds and the University Mental Health Advisors Network. Student Minds are the UK’s student mental health charity, empowering students to look after their own mental health, support others and create change. If you need any support at all regarding your mental health, definitely get in touch with Student Minds. Alternatively, Samaritans are available 24/7 for a chat.

Here are some things going on near you this University Mental Health Day, so you join in to raise awareness of mental illness, spend time in your community, or simply get in some you-time.

Sheffield

What could be better than hugging some doggos to help calm you down? Sheffield Hallam University’s Student Union is putting on a pet therapy visit on 5th March this year. Proven to reduce stress and positively impact physiological and psychological functions, spending time with these adorable dogs is a great way to feel better. Head down to the HUBs between 12:15 and 13:45 to take part. Tickets are £2 each and go towards the Pets as Therapy charity. Get tickets here.

Leeds

Fancy some wellbeing yoga? Or what about some meditation? Leeds University’s Student Union has a bunch of workshops on to celebrate University Mental Health Day this year. Pet Therapy is on between 12:30 and 13:30 in the LUU Foyer, and is completely free! Alternatively, If you fancy practicing some mindfulness, head to Room 6 at LUU for some meditation. From 12:00 to 13:30, the union are putting on a session where you can learn a bunch of different types of meditation and relaxation techniques. If you fancy working on your mind-body connection, try some Yoga in the LUU Jade Studio. Both of these are completely free. There’s also a Drop-In Session with PC Becky Hurrell available between 11:00 and 13:00, so if you have any concerns or questions about anything at all, Becky is around to lend a hand.

Newcastle

Fancy a trip to the Dog & Scone? Newcastle University’s Student Union are putting on a trip to the legendary Dog & Scone Café, so you can spend the afternoon with a cuppa and cuddling the resident pooches. Meet at the NUSU front entrance at 12:30, and tickets are a fiver (totally worth it). Get your tickets here.

If dogs aren’t your thing, why not try out some Lush Bath Bomb Making? Spend the evening making the Popart bath bomb with the Lush Team, then take it home and spend the evening (literally) bathing in relaxation. Tickets are £4 and can be grabbed here.

Norwich

Want to stretch your legs this University Mental Health Day? The University of East Anglia’s Student Union is putting on a hot chocolate lake walk on March 5th. Head down to the Exhibition Space at Union House for 13:00 to enjoy the company of your mates, meet some new people and take a break from studying. With free hot chocolate and cream, tea, coffee and biscuits available, the group are going for a refreshing walk around the UEA Broad. Spending time outdoors is great for your mental and physical health, so grab your mates, have a cuppa, and spread awareness of UMHD this year.

Coventry

Warwick University is offering a Study Happy Mindfulness session the day before University Mental Health Day, on March 4th. With the NHS recommending a mindfulness practice as one of the five ways to improve your wellbeing, learning such techniques are certainly beneficial for improving mental health. Whether you’re a beginner or a regular, join in on the free session at 13:00 until 14:00 to improve your wellbeing this week. Find out more here.

Southampton

Looking for some easy listening? Radio Sonar, Solent University’s Radio Station, is putting on a 24-hour broadcast for Student Minds this year for University Mental Health Day. From midday on 6th March, the station is on-air with a bunch of special guests, hoping to raise as much as possible for the charity. Tune in to Radio Sonar on the day to show your support. You can also donate here.

Bath

The University of Bath has a bunch of wellbeing activities on throughout the year to help improve mental health, and they’re all free (bonus!). Take part in dog walking with a Pets as Therapy dog - a great way to meet new people, get in some exercise and reduce stress. Alternatively, cooking classes are on offer for those of any skills level, to improve wellbeing through hearty food. Learn some key skills with healthy and simple recipes from the uni’s qualified chefs. Other workshops, including gardening sessions, counselling courses, and an autism social group. If you’re looking for something to do this University Mental Health Day, have a look at getting involved with the workshops. Find out more here.

Bristol

Want to get more involved in the wellbeing space in Bristol? Bristol SU Wellbeing Network are putting on a Bristol Wellbeing Conference on March 5th this year to celebrate University Mental Health Day. With stimulating discussions on how to measure wellbeing, the chance to develop strategies for the future of student mental health, and a bunch of workshops on offer, the day is packed full of opportunities to get involved. With a therapeutic arts workshop, dance and fitness class, and a free lunch available, the conference is deffo worth a visit. Starting a 9am, the conference is open to all students, staff and members of the public, and is completely free. Get your free tickets here.

Brighton

The University of Sussex are putting on a whole Wellbeing Week for University Mental Health Day. There are a bunch of workshops available throughout the week all over campus, starting from March 2nd. From Tai Chi and Mindfulness, to Woof Wednesdays and Plant Pot Decorating, there’s something on throughout the week for everyone. The University’s Wellbeing Fair is running on the Monday, with free drop-in massages, a free lunch, and activities and games (what a winner!). Check out the awesome line up of events here.